Guangbin, a joint venture between Honda and local manufacturer Guangzhou Auto, unveiled a new concept at Auto Shanghai 2009. Called the Li Nian Roadster, it is the second prototype revealed by the brand in as many years. The joint venture is seeking to gauge public response to products prior to its expected launch in 2010.

Following from the Li Nian SUV/CUV concept unveiled at last year's Beijing Auto Show, the two-seat roadster is smaller than the OSM design study shown at the 2008 British Motor Show, though it does have some familial similarities. Flanking its sculpted hood, the headlamps stretch far over the fenders providing the car with an assertive face and disguising its rather long front overhang. But these are pulled so far back that they nearly connect with the A-pillar and taper off just before blending into the narrow shoulderline. Other less successful design details include the vertical vents directly beneath the headlamps and the Roadster's gaping mouth grille. Canted forward at the top, it is reminiscent of the jet-fighter grille found on the Mitsubishi Lancer: a missed opportunity to showcase individual brand identity.

The profile is arguably the best vantage point, with a feature line that departs from the side fender vent and rises gradually to connect with the corner of the taillamp. But the rear features disjointed detailing: aerodynamic blisters on the decklid are nowhere near as aesthetically appealing as those on the Pontiac Solstice and the aluminum-look plastic accent strip is unnecessary. The rear diffuser is another cheap looking piece of plastic and a further set of vertical vents - which jut down from the horizontal taillamps - are poorly integrated, appearing to have been an afterthought.

Fortunately the simple, functional interior is clean and modern. But as with the exterior details, what could be a more cohesive design is in part diminished due to a myriad of material finishes and colors, which creates a fussy interior ambiance. The U-shaped steering wheel, for example, would be ideal for a spaceship; here it just looks out of place.

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Guangbin Li Nian concept - Beijing 2008

While the GT was admired by many on Geely's 2009 Shanghai auto show stand, the GE, or 'Geely Excellence', was largely derided by the Western journalists Car Design News bumped into on the first press day. It is a shocking example of copycat car design, and poorly done at that.

The object of the 'intense flattery' on this occasion is clearly a Rolls-Royce, from its trademark upright grille, rectangular front lights with circular ones beneath and long hood, to its strong vertical sides and wide and fast sloping rear pillar - especially when viewed in profile. There's even an approximation of the winged Spirit of Ecstasy figure perched at the front.

The inside is more original, sporting a 'two-plus-one' seating arrangement where the aircraft-style recliner rear seat is located centrally and cut off from the driver via a taxi-style partition. An extending seat footrest, pure wool carpet, panoramic roof plus veneer-fronted fridge and wine cabinet all add to the opulence. The multitude of 'stars' in the headliner, however, is a carbon copy.

Geely's design chief Mike Ma told Car Design News that the car - from yet another of Geely's sub-brands: a blue, red and yellow logo called 'Shanghai Englon' - was designed in-house and should make production by the end of 2010. With the target customers being private Chinese bosses, Ma said it could eventually sell up to 50,000 units.

When asked what he says to those who suggested the GE is just a Rolls-Royce rip-off Ma replied: "Look at the rendering, look at the interior, it's smaller in size than a Rolls-Royce and about eight times cheaper. All cars can look the same, but this is different."

Hhhhmmm...

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Design Essay: Copycat Car Design

The M1 hatchback, M5 sedan and X1 SUV are the first three models to be launched by Chinese automaker Chery under the new Riich nameplate. Previewed as a group of seven models at last year's Beijing auto show, the new B-segment models - formerly known as the Faira NN, HH and JJ concepts - were penned by Roberto Piatti's Torino Design in Italy and will slot into the automaker's product line-up beside the G5 sedan and the forthcoming G6 sedan, also unveiled at the Shanghai auto show.  

The three models are virtually identical to their concept precursors and share many design elements, but each has a distinctly different face. The five-door M1 hatchback has a long slender grille, upswept headlamps, and a groove running up the center of the hood. It measures 3601mm long, 1587mm wide and 1527mm wide and has a 2330mm wheelbase. The M5 sedan, meanwhile, has smaller headlamps and a revised hood with feature lines extending from the small upper grille. Identical in width and height, the M5 is 304mm longer and has a 15mm longer wheelbase. The X1 SUV is shorter in overall length (at 3866mm), is wider (1622mm) and higher (1638mm), but has the same wheelbase as the M1 hatchback. Its larger grille, dual headlamp core and plastic lower appliqué also sets it apart from the hatchback and sedan. All three vehicles share common design elements in profile, such as the upswept shoulder line in the rear fender and distinctive door handle in the trailing edge of the rear door.

Inside, the models all share the same basic interior, with a raised element sweeping across the IP incorporating the air vents at either end. Prominently displayed at the center is the digital instrument display with analogue gauges at each corner. The door panels and center stack are identical in each model.

Marketed under the new Riich nameplate - whose mantra is 'commercial, dynamic and fashionable' - the three new M Series vehicles are scheduled to be launched in December 2009, followed by the mid-size G6 sedan in 2010.

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